North Korea entry requirements for Ghana passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter North Korea. All travel must be arranged through an authorized tour operator, and visas are processed as part of a guided tour package. As of 2026, independent tourism is not permitted.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must apply for a North Korean visa through a designated travel agency — there is no online application portal. Contact the DPRK embassy in a third country (usually Beijing or Moscow) for the application process. Expect a 2–4 week processing time and strict scrutiny of your travel itinerary.Check DPRK visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in North Korea. There is no formal 6-month validity rule, but airlines and immigration officers may still enforce it — carry a passport with at least 6 months remaining to avoid boarding issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport will ask to see your return or onward ticket before clearing you. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — digital copies on your phone may not be accepted. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | You must have a confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from your DPRK tour operator. Immigration may request this at the border — carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation or tour itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD, EUR, or CNY) to cover your entire stay — credit and debit cards are not accepted in North Korea. Immigration may ask to see proof of sufficient funds, though this is rare for pre-arranged tours. | Recommended |
No independent travel allowed
You cannot enter North Korea without a pre-arranged guided tour. All movements are monitored by guides. Do not attempt to travel alone or deviate from the itinerary.
Visa is tied to your tour
Your visa is valid only for the specific dates and itinerary of your tour. If you change your tour, you must get a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Book a guided tour
You must book a tour with an authorized operator (e.g., Koryo Tours, Young Pioneer Tours). They will handle your visa application and itinerary. Expect to pay a deposit upfront.
2
Submit visa application to tour operator
Your operator will ask for a scanned copy of your passport, a completed application form, and a passport photo. They submit it to the North Korean embassy in Beijing or directly to Pyongyang.
3
Receive visa approval and travel documents
Once approved, the operator sends you a visa confirmation number or a physical visa (if issued at the embassy). You'll also get your tour itinerary and hotel confirmations.
4
Arrive at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport
On arrival, proceed to immigration. Present your passport, visa (or confirmation number), and return ticket. Your tour guide will meet you after baggage claim.
5
Complete immigration and customs
Immigration officers may ask simple questions about your purpose of visit. They'll stamp your passport. Customs may inspect your luggage for prohibited items (e.g., religious materials, political literature).
Download North Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stayUp to 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€50 (~$55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stayUp to 30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
work visa
Work Visa for Foreign Professionals
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For foreign professionals employed by North Korean entities or international organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa for Academic Studies
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$88 USD) per year
For foreign students enrolled in North Korean universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter from a recognized institution.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | €80 (~$88 USD) |
| Visa processing feeAdditional processing fee charged by the embassy. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete documentation35%
Suspicious travel pattern25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through North Korea
Transit visa required
Ghana passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Korea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsPyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ)
Health & vaccines for North Korea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, and bacterial diarrhea from contaminated food/water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air pollution and crowded conditions may increase risk of respiratory illnesses.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pyongyang
Immigration Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mansudong, Pyongyang
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handle visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport and visa documents.
Practical information for GH travellers
Country basics
CapitalPyongyang
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors cannot drive in North Korea; driving is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Money
CurrencyNorth Korean won (KPW)
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h
vs Los Angeles+17h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European two-pin plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. All visas must be arranged in advance through a registered tour operator. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Ghanaian passport holders.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks from the time your tour operator submits the application. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
The visa fee is usually included in your tour package. Standalone visa costs vary but are typically around €50–€80 (approx. 300–500 GHS). Your operator will quote the total.
No. Your tour operator handles everything remotely. You only need to submit digital copies of your documents. The physical visa may be issued at the embassy in Beijing or sent to you.
No. Independent travel is not permitted. You must be accompanied by two North Korean guides at all times during your tour.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Your tour operator will inform you of the reason. You may reapply, but it's best to ensure all documents are accurate and your itinerary is approved by the operator.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. Your stay is fixed to the duration of your tour. Overstaying can lead to fines or deportation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.